English Homework

OCCC Writing Program 1

1

Write Thesis & Topic Sentences using the Equation Method A thesis statement often follows the following pattern, somewhat like a math equation: 1. Start with your topic, add a power verb, a word describing the information

you will provide, and end with three main ideas you will provide.

Topic + Power verb + Overall information

+ Main ideas (3)

Overall topic of the essay

Provides Suggests Encourages Identifies Teaches Presents Offers Demonstrates Illustrates Gives Assists

Causes Effects Results

Identify specific information about the topic. Ideas Positions Points Opinions

Sample Thesis Sentences: • Homelessness illustrates the result of the lack of affordable housing, inadequate public assistance,

and breakdown of the family.

• Service dogs assist people physically, mentally, and emotionally.

• According to current research, the use of anabolic steroids results in side effects on the human body such as shutdown of vital organs, abuse on mental health, and an extreme increase in muscle mass.

2. The three main ideas in your thesis statement then become the topics for

the body paragraph topic sentences in your outline. Sample Topic Sentences from the first sample thesis above:

1. The primary cause of homelessness in most cities is a lack of affordable housing. 2. In certain states and cities, inadequate public assistance exacerbates the problem. 3. One devastating result of homelessness is that family relationships are often strained or

broken entirely.